As fall rolls right into winter many holiday family traditions unfold. Family traditions take on a different meaning for everyone. For some it’s immediate family, for others it’s extended family or friends who are often just as important as family. For me, holidays include all of these.
Each year, for as long as I can remember, my family along with many close family friends get together to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our family gatherings usually consist of 50 to 60 people gathered together eating too much turkey and grandma’s homemade apple pie while playing card games well into the morning hours.
The location of our gatherings has changed over the years as our family continues to grow but that just adds to the uniqueness of our family. As my cousins get married and have children it gets more difficult to get everyone together. My mom often reminisces about our family and how they would get together every chance they got for things like Easter, birthdays or just for no reason at all. Sadly, that doesn’t happen as much anymore. But nonetheless we never let Thanksgiving or Christmas go by without getting together.
I was at a Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority alumni event this past weekend. It was nice to get together with my “sisters,” some of whom I’ve never met and some of whom I hadn’t seen since graduation. It still felt like family even after all of this time. There are some bonds between “sisters” that just can’t be broken. A handful of my “sisters” and I stay in touch on a weekly basis. It’s incredible how four years in college can bring a group of girls together for a lifetime.
During the alumni event we had the chance to examine our “true colors.” “True colors” is a personality test designed to help you understand your personality style and behavior types. We used the test to help us determine how our personality influences our relationships with family, friends, classmates and co-workers. The test then divided us into four groups based on personality.
Each group then collaborated to determine their likes, skills, needs and joys based on their personality type. What was interesting about all four groups of Sigma Alpha girls was that each group listed family or family traditions as a need in their lives.
As the holidays come this year, take time to enjoy family and friends. Try not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. God Bless,
